Chapter 23

In any military organization, there are rules and regulations. This ensures discipline in the ranks and also helps build an esprit de corps. As with any set of rules though, there are little ways around them that both hinder and help.

Unfortunately for me, the XO knew most of them. For a week, he made my life as about as close to hell as could be made for a Jedi. I know I could have exerted a little Force Influence on him but I chose not to give in to the easy temptation of power. Jedi I may be, but I am also human so I kept my temper in check, solidly in check.

I was turned into his unofficial "assistant", basically made to do his bidding. He would always go right to the edge of harassment and then step back. He had me doing menial tasks of every sort as well as uniform inspections at random intervals.

I think it vexed the man that I never complained only did each task better and better until he couldn't say anything to me without crossing the line. He called me into his office two days before our deep patrol was set to launch. He said: "Let's drop ranks for the moment freak. I don't like you. You're arrogant and insubordinate. You say you're a Jedi? Wrong! You're tauntaun spit!"

I said: "Since the ranks have been dropped Dutch, I think you're a lousy executive officer. You lead by terrorism and fear. To be a good leader, you must lead by example and courage, not fear. Furthermore, you are a thermal detonator with a faulty timer and I pity the poor sentient that you'll take to the grave when you go off."

He shot to his feet as his face reddened in anger as I said: "Remember, you said the ranks were off Dutch. You may be a raging demon waiting to emerge but I believe that deep down, you still know right from wrong."

His face slowly returned to normal as he hissed out: "Dismissed!" I executed a flawless about face and left his office. I could sense in him with the Force, an honorable core but it had been buried in the aimless rage that seemed to emanate from him.

We launched on schedule and rendezvoused with our carrier. What few Capital Class ships we had in the Rebellion at the time had to be shared so couldn't be assigned to every individual command. Only the highest echelons of the Rebellion had a capitol ship assigned to them permenently.

We would sortie out every day for longer and longer periods of time until our assigned patrol sector was covered. On the last day of our patrol, the Force called to me and without thinking I said over the comlink: "Patrol group 2, scatter!"

The entire group scattered on command as an Imperial Class Star Destroyer emerged from hyperspace right next to our previous location. A heartbeat after the Imperial ship exited hyperspace, so too did three Correlian Corvettes, more commonly referred to as "Blockade Runners". Several small fires could be seen across the hull of the Imperial ship where atmosphere was venting into space. Seeing us and possibly fearing a larger ambush, the Star Destroyer dropped twelve eyeballs as a diversion and jumped back to hyperspace leaving its fighters behind.

"Typically Imperial." Said the XO. Two of the corvettes jumped after their quarry leaving one behind to help us out. As good as the pilots in my group were that day; two-to-one odds are never very good. Six of the TIEs went after the corvette while the other six came for us. The XO ordered: "Take them one-on-one. If you get yours first, help your wingmates." The order given, the comlink was silent as the battle erupted.

I felt the intent of the enemy who oriented on me. I could sense total dedication to his Emperor and his mission. He had to know that he and his squadron had been left behind as a sacrifice, but that didn't seem to bother him as he came for me head-to-head. Warbler bleated an immediate target lock as I switched my lasers to cyclic, pulled the trigger and saw the TIE vaporize instantly.

I said to myself: "Waste of man and material." My teammates made short work of three more of the attackers as I checked my sensors to see that the corvette had already taken care of its attackers when I remembered that the corvettes were designed as anti-fighter units. I went to open comlink and said: "TIE Fighter, TIE fighter, you are outnumbered and outgunned. Surrender if you want to live". The XO was merciless as he spitted one TIE with a torpedo and said: "Cowardice in the face of the enemy Lieutenant? I'll see you rot in the brig for this." I suddenly sensed a change of some kind coming from the XO as he dropped into the "kill" position and began to systematically whittle away at his last target, the one I had offered sanctuary to.

He was so cold and calculating about it I was momentarily too stunned to speak. I switched back to the group frequency and said: "Commander, I have offered that pilot the option of surrender. I respectfully ask that you stand down your weapons." The only sound to come back was a half mumbled: "Die TIE scum die!" I said: "Stand down your weapons Commander!"

Again, there was only a half-mumbled voice saying: "Die, die, die. This is for her!" Whatever was going on with the XO, I knew I had to act but it was too late as he finally destroyed his target. I felt sick as I felt for the first time a life force die in combat. I would wonder later why I didn't feel it with the fighter I had shot down just a few minutes before but at the time, I had other things on my mind.

I said: "Lieutenant Commander Dutch Hadley, I am relieving you of command and placing you under arrest for murder of a surrendering party. Stand down your weapons or be fired upon! Red Group, lock your weapons on the XO if he doesn't comply in ten seconds."

My orders given, I had Warbler start a ten second countdown . . . 10, 9, 8, 7, 6. As the countdown reached five seconds, the XO said: "Standing down all offensive systems. You'll pay for this . . . Jedi." He made the simple word sound like a slur as he fell into formation surrounded by the rest of Patrol Group 2, with me in the lead position.

Chapter 24

After a microjump back to our carrier, I was restricted to quarters and held incommunicado until called into Wedge's office six hours later. I knocked on his door and entered when told to do so. I stood at perfect attention for what seemed a small eternity in front of Wedge. He was silent for a time then said: "Report, Lieutenant Jayks."

I took a breath and told him everything that had happened to that point. The patrol, the urging of the Force to have the group scatter and then the appearance of the Star Destroyer. Then I explained the arrival of the corvettes and the subsequent battle. As he listened, he consulted some notes on a datapad next to him. I finished with: "I will accept any disciplinary action you wish to take Commander." Wedge consulted a few more notes and then said: "That closely follows the in-flight data recorders of all ships involved as well as the holo-record the corvette gave us and the testimony of your wingmates. It just so happens that the enemy pilot was transmitting his acceptance of your offer as well."

Wedge looked at me and said: "What would you do?" His question confused me as I said: "Sir?" He said again: "If you were in my place, what would you do?" I thought about it and said: "I believe that Lieutenant Commander Hadley has it in him to be a wonderful asset, but it's clear he needs some kind of psychological counseling. As for my conduct, I honestly can't tell you. I acted in what I thought was the best course of action open to me at the time. If it will help to keep this incident on the lowest level possible, I'll resign my flight status and transfer to ground operations or something where I can still be of use to the Rebellion."

Wedge stretched in his chair and said: "Good answer. Not what I was expecting, but a good answer just the same." He reached into his desk, withdrew something but kept it covered with his hand so I couldn't see what it was. As he stood up, I could sense a strong feeling of anticipation on Wedge's part as he walked over to me. With his free hand he removed my Lieutenant's rank squares and said: "If you think I'm going to foist you off onto ground ops, you've got another thing coming." He then placed the insignia of a Lieutenant Commander on my chest and said: "Now that you're in proper uniform, what do you have to say?"

I opened and closed my mouth a couple of times in surprise as he said: "Pick your jaw up off the deck XO, it's undignified." I finally spoke: "Why? How do I rate a promotion versus confinement? I gave an order with no rank to back it up, offered surrender to an enemy pilot, ordered the XO of the squadron to stand down and even threatened to vape him if he didn't comply!"

Wedge sat back down at his desk and said: "Good question and fair assessment. You know why the chain of command exists, yes?" I nodded. "The Rebellion built into its structure the ability for the next lower person in the chain to step up into command if needed. You did everything right. Whether the Force told you to have the group scatter or not, you went with your gut instinct and that's usually the right one. You offered surrender to a disadvantaged foe that you could have destroyed yourself or simply allowed Mr. Hadley to destroy unchallenged. You properly asked him to stand down his weapons before relieving him and your orders were perfectly sensible. You did everything right. Now, get out of here will you? I have real work to do. You have until the first of next week to prepare, and then you step up into your new position. Any other questions?" I couldn't think of any so I simply saluted and left his office after he returned my salute.

I left Wedge's office to see Mr. Hadley being escorted by two security officers. As a courtesy to his rank, he was not in binders. He said something to his escorts. They stopped in a group as Hadley came over to me and said in a voice dripping with scorn: "You got what you wanted sir. You went too far. Watch your back." I looked him square in the eye and said: "Mister Hadley, because I know you are a sick man, I'm going to forget you said that. But any more breeches of discipline big enough to fly a Star Destroyer through will not be tolerated! Is that clear Mister Hadley!" As before, in space, I detected a slight change in his emotional status as he said: "Perfectly sir."

I stepped around him and his escorts and continued on my way. When I heard an almost animal-like yell from behind me I turned, and saw Hadley slam his escorts into the corridor walls, grab one of their blasters and come running at me firing with each step. The Force was already answering the challenge as I drew my lightsaber and deflected full power shots left and right. I deflected four such shots until he got closer and holding my hand out, I used the Force to knock him down and away from me. His weapon flew from his hand as he hit the deck and then his escorts were on him and slapping binders on his wrists as he struggled a moment more then was still.

Wedge had stepped out of his office at the sound of the commotion, stepped up to the guards and said: "Take him the security wing of sickbay and keep it quiet. Move." Only my Force enhanced senses heard the order it was voiced so low. Wedge came up to me as I deactivated my saber and put it back on my belt. He said: "You okay Ronin?" I said: "Yeah. Thanks for asking Wedge." He nodded his head and went back to his office.

I went to my quarters. A minute later, Warbler came in beeping questions as fast as his binary language could form them. Through the Force, his rapid words were clear as he asked: "I'm glad you're still functional sir. First I can't even speak with you after we landed, then I get a data upgrade allowing me access to all material relevant to your new rank and now I hear you're nearly deleted by one of our own. What is going on!"

"Easy does it Warbler. Easy does it. You're right on all counts. I guess I shouldn't be surprised to know that you know all this but still, who told you?" Warbler beeped sheepishly for a moment and said: "The ship's central computer told me. She's a bit of a gossip at times." I laughed out loud and said: "We have until the first of next week before I officially step into the XO's post. Until then, you can really start to help me by getting all of the relevant information regarding the official duties and responsibilities of an Executive Officer from your gossipy friend. Okay?"

For the rest of the day, I read up on as much as I could find on the Executive Officer's post. My duties would be both numerous and bland to explain so let me be succinct in saying that my administrative duties and collateral headaches had just expanded by a factor of ten or so and leave it at that.

Our carrier dropped us in high orbit and left as soon as were clear of the landing bays. After landing in the main hangar, I grabbed my duffel from the cargo area and said: "Warbler, I don't know of any tasking for either of us for now so once you're clear of the ship, you're free to do what you want for the next two days. I'll see you bright and early ready to work okay?" Warbler acknowledged my orders and waited for the extractor.

As I exited the hangar, I felt a familiar presence. Warm and welcoming. Gabrielle came around the corner, saw me, and gave me a hug which I returned. When she saw my new rank insignia, her gorgeous eyes widened as she said: "Congratulations Ronin." I said: "Thanks, but I didn't plan for this. It sort of happened." She smiled and said: "Most meritorious promotions happen that way. You can tell me all about it over dinner tonight."

I said: "That's right. You wanted to meet. So what's the whole plan then?" She said: "Doesn't your Jedi insight tell you anything?" I said: "I haven't asked lately and I thought the surprise would be better." She said: "Good answer. I was thinking of a walk through the Arboretum of Worlds, then dinner." I said: "Sounds great. I've only heard about the arboretum. I look forward to it. 1800 in the square?" She said: "1800 it is then. Don't be late."

After a short nap and sonic shower, I was a little early. At 1800 hours exactly, I felt Gabrielle's warm presence nearing the area. I waited by the fountain as a series of soft breezes came through, causing the fountain to resonate melodiously. When Gabrielle was close enough, I turned to face her and was given a pleasant surprise.

Up until that moment, I had only seen her in uniform. I conceded privately that she looked good, even in uniform. But now, she was definitely off-duty. She had her shoulder-length brown hair down and in a wavy style. She was wearing a red dress the same color as my lightsaber blade that ended at the knees revealing shapely, firm legs. She also wore pale red heels and just a touch of make-up. I extended my hand and when she put her hand in mine, I gently pulled her hand up and kissed the knuckle.

I said: "You look wonderful tonight Gabrielle." She answered: "Thank you. You look good too." The fountain emitted some low whistles as she said: "I see you noticed our local art treasure here." I answered: "It's an amazing device but right now, my attention is on the work of art standing in front of me."

Gabrielle blushed deeply at the compliment. She said: "Congratulations again on your promotion to XO of Red Group." I said: "Thank you again but we aren't here to talk about me are we?" Her gaze dropped a little and she said: "No, we're not. I guess I'm still a little afraid of this potential you say I have. While I was on patrol, I did like you asked and felt the moment more than thought on it. There was a time or two when it seemed my perception was sharper, my reactions almost precognitive. My droid, Jeri commented on it a few times. It was both scary and exhilarating at the same time."

I gently took her chin in my hand, privately marveling at the soft yet firm feel of her skin under my fingers, and raised her eyes to mine. I said: "Don't fear what you are. The potential it there but you have to want to use it. You have to be able to accept it. I cannot and will not compel you to do so. If you choose to, I can start your training. I think you will find, as I did, that a whole new horizon of wonder will open up before you. But you must also know that a whole new dimension of danger will open for you as well."

I finished with: "For now, just think on it. May I walk you through the Arboretum of Worlds, Milady?" I offered her my arm. She took it and said: "Yes you may my Knight." As we walked through the arboretum, I was in awe of the sheer variety of ferns, flowers and trees. Gabrielle pointed out her favorites. Many of the flowers had subtle scents while others no scent except under certain conditions.

We walked for a time just enjoying each others' company. Words seemed unnecessary. We came to a grassy knoll and sat together. We were both in our own worlds for the moment. As I ran my fingers across the grass, Gabrielle turned her head to face me and said: "Ronin. I've decided." I looked into her eyes and felt myself fall into them. I said: "Yes?" Gabrielle said: "Please start me on the Path of the Jedi. I want to learn to harness this power I have for the benefit of others."

I said: "Very well. But it will take time to learn. When I have taken your training as far as I can, I will take you to my teacher who will teach you as he taught me. Are you ready?" She nodded as I said: "Give me your hands." When she did, I stood up and helped her to her feet. I looked into her eyes again and said: "Close your eyes and repeat after me: There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no death, there is the Force."

As she repeated it, I finished with: "Now open your eyes and feel the Force." Gabrielle opened her eyes, gasped and smiled as she said: "I do, I do feel it. It is everywhere, in everything. I can actually feel the vastness of the universe. It's amazing!"

I said: "The Jedi Code sums up all of the beliefs of the Jedi Order. It will be for you to find the deeper levels of the Code and what it means to you." We started walking again, arm in arm, and left the arboretum. We got to her quarters where she had set up a quiet dinner for two as I gave her the highlights of my patrol, at her insistence, which culminated with my unexpected promotion to XO.

Dinner was finished as we went to the main living area and had a dance or two. When I commented on her dancing she said: "You're not half bad yourself." I said: "When I have as graceful a partner as you, how can I do badly?" She blushed again and said playfully: "Flirt." One more dance and then I made to leave.

I stopped just short of her door as she said: "Would you like to stay?" I smiled and said: "No thank you. Some other time perhaps. Let me leave you with this though. Always remember that the Force is everywhere and in everything. You, me, the walls, the deck, in the Arboretum, everywhere. Do you understand? You must feel the Force around you."

She absorbed my words and then said: "Goodnight, my Knight." I stood there a moment longer then leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. The moment could've lasted a second, a minute, or an hour. I don't know. We separated for air as I felt her internal defenses start to go up again.

She said: "I've always told the pilots in Gold Group that interpersonal relations in the squadron can interfere with the mission, even cost lives." I smiled and said: "I agree one hundred percent, but then, I'm not in your squadron." I felt her defenses drop again as she said: "Good point." Before I knew it, she had her arms around me and was kissing me full and unrestrained.

This kiss lasted longer than the first and I wished it would never end but end it did when the need for oxygen became a priority. We parted slowly, reluctantly. Gabrielle asked: "Are you sure you don't want to stay?" I smiled again and said: "Thank you again but I have not earned that privilege yet. I can wait until I have though. Goodnight Milady." "Goodnight my Knight." She said as I left.